We Can Break Barriers for Enabling Free Trade with India: Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May's three-day visit to India can be an opportunity to forge new dimensions in bilateral relations and seek assurance from the top British leaders against any adverse impact of Brexit on bilateral trade, reports Faiz Askari. 

NEW DELHI: Stressing that India and the UK share a "natural partnership", British Prime Minister Theresa May said the two nations have "much potential" in boosting their relationship.

Addressing the inaugural session of the India-UK Tech Summit in New Delhi, May said that Britain believed in free trade between the two countries. "We believe in free trade, we can breakdown barriers and improve trade," she said.

May said India invests more in UK than in any other European country, and similarly the UK invests in India more than other any other G-20 country.

Commenting on the Brexit, May stated, “One of the main reasons for Brexit from the European Union, we are determined not to turn our backs on the world, but to forge a new outward looking role for ourselves,” her visit to India is intended to start the process of building bilateral trade ties as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

May also talked about common values of democracy and rule of law between the two nations, saying that a large number of Indian origin people live in the UK and the two nations "can work together to shape the future".

The visiting leader also expressed hope to take bilateral trade to the next level.

She also announced that Indian business visitors would now be eligible for the Registered Traveller Scheme of the UK which is aimed at a facilitative visa regime.

She stressed that with Brexit, the UK would forge a new global outlook and her visit to India is aimed at greater trade and investment and fewer trade barriers.

The British Prime Minister, who is on a three-day India visit, is accompanied by a large trade delegation.